Get ready to elevate your burger game with these irresistible crispy onion ring mini burgers! This innovative recipe transforms the humble onion ring into a crunchy, golden vessel for juicy beef and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Onion Rings
- 8 thick onion rings (about 1 cm thick)
- 50g all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 50g breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Burger Patties
- 250g ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese, cut to fit onion rings
- 4 pickle slices
Burger Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard (mild or strong)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings
- Pat onion rings dry with paper towels
- Set up three separate bowls:
- First bowl: Flour
- Second bowl: Beaten egg with salt and pepper
- Third bowl: Breadcrumbs
- Breading the Onion Rings
- Dip each onion ring first in flour
- Then coat in beaten egg
- Finally, cover completely with breadcrumbs
- Frying Onion Rings
- Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer to medium-high heat
- Carefully fry onion rings until golden brown
- About 2-3 minutes per side
- Drain on absorbent paper towels
- Preparing Burger Patties
- Season ground beef with salt and pepper
- Form 4 small patties matching the size of onion rings
- Cook in a medium-heat pan
- 3-4 minutes per side (adjust to preferred doneness)
- Assembling Mini Burgers
- Place a breaded onion ring as the base
- Add ketchup and mustard
- Top with beef patty
- Add a slice of cheddar cheese
- Place a pickle slice
- Cover with a second breaded onion ring
- Secure with a toothpick if needed
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Add smoked paprika or mild chili powder to breadcrumbs for extra flavor
- For a lighter version, bake onion rings at 200°C for 15 minutes
- Ensure oil is at the right temperature to prevent soggy breading
- Use a meat thermometer to check beef doneness
Variations and Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or plant-based patties for alternative protein
- Swap cheddar for Swiss or blue cheese
- Try different mustards or add hot sauce for heat
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these in advance?
Assemble components separately and combine just before serving for best texture.
How do I keep the onion rings crispy?
Serve immediately or reheat briefly in an oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes.
Can I air fry the onion rings?
Yes, air fry at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well with high smoke points.
How long can I store these mini burgers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight container
- Best consumed within 24 hours
- Reheat in oven at 160°C for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness
- Avoid microwave to prevent soggy breading
Enjoy your crispy, flavor-packed mini burgers!